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News
- 24 minutes ago
Baleba must take 'the next step' amid Man Utd links, admits Brighton boss
Tom Weber
- Updated: 24 Oct 2025 11:48 BST
- 4 min read
News
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has admitted that Carlos Baleba needs to take 'the next step' in his character development amid Manchester United's persistent links with him.
The young midfielder appears to have had his head turned by the talks he had with the Red Devils late in the summer window. Man Utd targeted Baleba as a priority reinforcement for the midfield, but could not break Brighton's resolve.
The 21-year-old has agreed terms with Man Utd, but he stopped short of agitating for a move, and he respected Brighton's not-for-sale stance. Nevertheless, the interest has affected his performances.
Current ETV
Carlos Baleba
DM, M (C)
Brighton
Carlos Baleba
DM, M (C)
Brighton
ETV Range
€50.5M - €61.7M
Last month, Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler openly admitted that the youngster hasn't been his usual self so far this season, and he blamed all the 'noise' surrounding him.
Man Utd remain interested in the Cameroon international, but a January move has been deemed unlikely. Brighton will only entertain a sale in the summer, and the player's expected participation in the Africa Cup of Nations would also complicate a deal.
Hurzeler: Baleba needs to take the next step
On Saturday, Brighton travel to Old Trafford to take on Man Utd, who are looking to continue an encouraging run of results. Naturally, some of the pre-game talk has been about Baleba.
Hurzeler was asked about the youngster's state of mind heading into this clash with his biggest suitors during his pre-match press conference and offered an interesting response.
The German urged the midfielder to take "the next step" in his character development so as to be able to better cope with the speculation surrounding him.
"I think it's the next step for him as a person, as a personality to overcome the rumours and the noise because it's only the noise that tries to distract him from performing for us for Brighton," the coach said.
"The main thing, and it's not only for us here regarding development, in general for his career, he needs to focus on what he can control because he can't influence the rumours and the noise, only the things he does on the pitch.
"I think it's very important to understand that we saw some really good actions from Baleba against Newcastle, and I'm pleased to hear this. It's always the most important how a player feels, that he feels like he's getting back to his own.
"Now it's about all the behaviours that he showed against Newcastle and making them into habits. If you do it consistently - daily business, every training - showing these behaviours and actions, then you get habits.
"I feel also that he's getting back more and more to his shape, and hopefully he can continue with that performance tomorrow."
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